Diabetes Signs & Symptoms

In order for the cells of the human body to properly function, they need glucose to fuel their activities. Glucose is a form of sugar provided for the cells of the body naturally by the liver and muscles of the body, and received by the foods we eat. If an inadequate amount of insulin is created, or if the insulin is not functioning suitably, the glucose won’t be received as needed by the cells, and it will build up in the blood stream. This build-up causes high blood sugar, which leads to pre-diabetes or type I or type II diabetes.

Type I Diabetes Symptoms

Upon the attack of the immune system on the beta cells of the pancreas, the beta cells stop producing insulin. This leads to type I diabetes. Type I diabetes (formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) is usually diagnosed in children, teenagers and young adults.

Without the help of insulin and other diabetic drugs, sugar builds up in the bloodstream and causes bodily damage. This can cause such health problems as kidney disease, heart disease, eye disease and nerve disease.

The symptoms of type I diabetes tend to resemble those of other medical conditions, so it is important to talk with your physician if you experience any of them. Symptoms of type I diabetes include the following:

An increase in urination (polyurination)

Continuous hunger (polyphagia)

An increase in thirst (polydipsia)

Unexplained unusual weight loss

Blurred vision

Fatigue

Type II Diabetes Symptoms

The job of the pancreas is to generate enough insulin to keep up with the increased demand when a person eats a meal and fills his bloodstream with sugar. Over time, the pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin after a person has filled the blood stream with glucose from food. When there is disorder and insulin is not being absorbed and properly used by fat, muscle and liver cells, type II diabetes (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes) results. Sugar builds up in the bloodstream, elevating the risk of heart attack, nerve damage, stroke, kidney disease, kidney failure, and the need for amputation of bodily limbs because of poor blood flow.

Lack of physical activity and being overweight increases a person’s risk of developing this type of diabetes. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor. The symptoms of Type II diabetes include the following:

Wounds that heal very slowly

Increased thirst (polydipsia)

Increased urination (polyuria)

Fatigue

Unexplained unusual weight loss

Blurred vision

Nausea

Frequent yeast infections

Not all diabetes patients experience any symptoms before their diagnoses. The test for diabetes involves a simple blood test to assess glucose levels, and the test will detect diabetes whether or not a patient experiences symptoms. Diabetes is manageable, so if you have diabetes, consult your health care provider to discuss the best treatment options for you.